WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-The link between high blood pressure and stroke

September 29, 2011

Laurie Tvedt has slightly elevated blood pressure, what's called "pre-hypertension." She's working to lower it because she does not want to risk having a heart attack or stroke.

"My father has high blood pressure. He didn't treat his high blood pressure and as he got older he started to have a lot of health problems," she said.

Doctors used to consider slightly elevated blood pressure acceptable, but new research shows people with pre-hypertension are 50 percent more likely to have a stroke. And the risk of stroke jumps to 80 percent for those with pre-hypertension under 65 years old.

"One of the most compelling parts of the study is to remind us that those people who thought they had normal blood pressure actually might have pre-hypertension, and pre-hypertension can lead to stroke," said Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum, a cardiologist at Lenox Hill Hospital.

Doctors say the findings are a big concern because one out of every three people in the U.S. has slightly elevated blood pressure. And that number is growing.

"One of the greatest contributors to pre-hypertension is really obesity, and we are all eating too much... gaining too much weight," Steinbaum said.

Steinbaum says if your blood pressure is less than 130 over 80, you're on the right track. Diet, exercise, low salt and not too much alcohol can help get you there.

Laurie Tvedt is following her doctor's advice and has lost 38 pounds.

"I feel really good; I have so much more energy. I can do the things I want to do," she said.

Doctors say taking pre-hypertension seriously is crucial to a healthy life.

California researchers based their findings on 12 previous studies that involved more than half a million people.